Gremlins SE and Gremlins 2 are coming

The eventual release of a special edition of the creepy little monster smash Gremlins and any sort of DVD for its sequel Gremlins 2 have been discussed and dismissed and postponed for so long, they have become almost part of legend. Finally, nearly a half-decade after the original idea was thrown around, both DVDs are coming out for real in August from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.

A man buys a Mogwai as a Christmas present for his son. The young boy is told to keep the pet away from water, out of the light and never to feed it after midnight. Inadvertently, the creature is dampened and almost instantly, produces half a dozen furry replicas of itself –which continue to multiply and turn the small town upside-down.

It didn’t take long for those cheerfully mischievous creatures strike again–and what they do to a New York City office complex could spell catastrophe.

The first film gets a much needed facelift and a few dandy extras as a new special edition. First and foremost, the disc will have an anamorphic widescreen transfer and audio in Dolby Digital 5.1. Other enticements include two audio commentaries enhancing the film, the firsts with director Joe Dante, the second with several members of the cast. A new documentary will explore the film and several deleted scenes and a blooper reel will let us see some more of the film than we ever have before. A theatrical trailer is also included for good measure.

Although not given the full special edition treatment, “Gremlins 2” is a welcome addition to the DVD family and has some room to boast on its own right. An anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio make the disc worth having. An audio commentary with Dante, a music video, trivia game and trailers only sweeten the deal.

On August 20th, I expect many a fan will hop in their automated Barbie cars and race down to the store to pick up “Gremlins” and “Gremlins 2” for $19.95 each. Or you can stay home and order them from the DVD Review Store or $13.99.

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